Pod[e] was formed by Scott Taylor and Steve Baldwin in 2021 after having been business partners in Trimad Architectural Cladding since 2006.
The idea of Pod[e] Westall was sparked by Scott and his family, Susan, Maddy and Trinity as they would often escape to the Eyre Peninsula in search of rugged and remote coastlines whilst camping. Scott has always had a passion for innovative, sustainable eco living which led him to commission A-HA Design Studio in 2019 to help create the envisioned luxury prototype Pod you are now experiencing.
After finalising the design and finding the perfect piece of land at Westall, Streaky Bay, Pod[e] quickly went from a dream to a reality. With Scott overseeing the project and Steve managing the construction aspect, Amanda McPhail was brought in at the beginning of 2021 to support the process in an administrative role, with assistance from Susan and Trinity. Both Steve and Scott’s families are actively involved within the project by supporting with additional help.
We are confident that through working together as a team, the development at Westall is just the very start of a bright future for Pod[e]. We hope that you enjoy your stay on the Pod[e] property and end up loving it as much as we do.
Pod[e] in collaboration with AHA Design Studio have designed an architectural passive-solar pod. The driving force behind the design was to create a living space that has a minimal footprint on the environment with a design philosophy being 100% sustainability. Careful consideration was put into finding the perfect piece of land that would give us the opportunity to build our luxury off-grid pods, placing them in a north/south orientation which is the main factor in utilising the sun's energy. Land was purchased on Mount Westall, on the Westall Way Loop near Streaky Bay which has expansive views of the rugged coastline and native flora and fauna unique to the Eyre Peninsula.
From the orientation of the pod to the footing system and building materials used we have achieved an impressive energy efficiency rating of 7.8 stars. We have used a concrete-free footing system and have specifically chosen our roof, wall and flooring products for their high insulating properties. With double glazed windows, natural airflow and a wood fire, the pods will maintain a comfortable living temperature all year round.
Run entirely off-grid using solar energy, rainwater and a worm farm for the waste system, the pods have next to no footprint on the environment.
At Pod[e] we try our best to keep waste products to a minimum, any waste products that are on-site are disposed of appropriately, with recycling being our number one focus for waste.
Our products and materials have been sourced and carefully selected from local businesses that share the same ethos and practices on sustainability.
Revegetation is also a crucial part in our project. By revegetation we generate abatement by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and it is then stored as carbon in plants as they grow. We have been lucky enough to have the support of Greening Australia to help assist with this over the coming years. We (Pod[e]) have also planted well over 4000 native plants ourselves.
Our pods are extremely appealing to the eye with high-end finishes creating an indulgent luxurious experience for guests whilst being kind to the environment. You can rest assured that your experience at Pod[e] is not compromised by our sustainable practices.
